Smoking and high blood pressure increase risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm in men over 60

UT Southwestern Medical CenterJan 23 2010

Men ages 65 and older who have ever smoked should have a one-time, say cardiologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Men age 60 and older with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm should also consider screening. High blood pressure and a history of smoking can increase your chances of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

"Aortic aneurysm ruptures are the 13th leading cause of death of men in the United States," says Dr. Frank Arko, a cardiac surgeon UT Southwestern. "They typically strike men over the age of 65. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of patients who have an aortic rupture die before they can be treated."

This type of aneurysm can cause a rupture of the aorta - the largest artery in the body.

Screenings are non-invasive and may be covered by Medicare.